Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan Film at the Iconic 'Rocky' Steps

Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan at the Rocky steps in Philadelphia

Sure, you can call it a spinoff, but Ryan Coogler’s forthcoming Creed seems to be following in the giant footsteps of its Rocky series predecessors. And we’re not complaining.

The Fruitvale Station director’s take on the iconic boxing series stars Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, the son of the late Apollo Creed, with Sylvester Stallone returning yet again as the Italian Stallion, who’s now serving as both trainer and mentor. Last week, we spotted Rocky subjecting Adonis to the chicken-catching drill that Mickey put him through back in Rocky II, and now, the duo are re-creating an even more iconic scene: Visiting the Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

That was the location, of course, for one of the most famous scenes from the franchise: In 1976′s original film, Rocky ascends the steep concrete steps during a training sequence, one that was conceived while Stallone was scouting Philly for low-budget locations. He got way more than he bargained for: The training montage, and its triumphant close on the steps, is among the most memorable moments from the Oscar-winning film, and Stallone made sure to include the museum in the next four sequels, all of which he directed.

No word yet on whether the new version includes the famous theme “Gonna Fly Now,” or all of Philadelphia cheering Adonis on, but it’s still good to see that Coogler’s new take on the franchise pays homage to its roots.